CINDERFORD'S so-called Northern Quarter Action Plan and the Forest of Dean's Core Strategy – the masterplan for the Dean – have been approved by a Government planning inspector.

Said to contain the framework for how the district will develop over the next 14 years, the plans have not won overwhelming support.

Critics say Core Strategy proposals simply swamp the areas with houses. There has also been opposition to the Northern Quarter plan from environmental groups.

In a statement the district council say the approval will now allow the construction of a new spine road which will unlock the land around the former Northern United Colliery site for a mix of commercial and residential development.

Nigel Gibbons, the council's forward plan manager, said backing for the Core Strategy was a milestone which gave the authority up-to-date background for making planning decisions.

The council's regeneration manger, Wendy Jackson, said: "The Inspector's findings mean that we can finally move the Northern Quarter project from the planning stage into the delivery phase.

"It will take time to deliver this exciting development but a lot of the ground work has already been done. Getting to this point has taken many years of hard work from all the partners on the Regeneration Board and, of course, the patience and support of Cinderford people. Together we will build something that puts Cinderford firmly on the map and help revitalise the local economy."

The Core Strategy and Cinderford Area Action Plan will now go to Cabinet and full council next month where they will be adopted as policy.